I hope someone can help me on this. I have been reading through the threads related to this, but I'm just looking for more.
I was just denied a job at an agency because they said I tested positive for COCAINE! I don't use cocaine and have never abuse any drug! When I called and asked for the results they said my level was 202 and the cutoff level is 150.
Currently, I am not working as I left my last job voluntarily (I broke my ribs in March and was unable to continue doing lifting). No, I am not on narcotics.
I don't know how this is happening. A few days prior to this, I was cleaning out my sister's apartment who is addicted to meth and is currently in jail. She got evicted and it was up to my family to get her stuff out! And now, somehow I tested positive.
The agency of course said they are reporting it to the BON. I'm scared and not knowing what is going to happen. I'm in MN so I believe they have to offer you counseling and another chance, but what if I don't have a substance abuse problem and have never had one in my life. It's been a few days and I haven't heard anything from the BON, but from reading on here it says it can take a few months or longer.
I am currently interviewing for other positions (IRTS mental health facility, allergy clinic, telephone case management, and planned parenthood). I am completely at a loss and don't know what to do or even say because I'm sure that the BON is not going to believe anything that I have to say. HELP!
I'm sure a few of you are going to jump all over the fact that I take Ativan, but there are millions of people in the world who have mental illness and take medications INCLUDING nurses
I don't think so - we actually have a whole forum dedicated to nurses under stress and those seeking help for mental illness.
Here's something else I found out this weekend. At the lab they are usually supposed to watch you pee. Well that did t happen. The only told me to not flush the toilet and the toilet water was blue. I was also supposed to verify my information on a sticker to make sure it was me. The lady there just typed my information into a computer. Then, I initialed it, which you are supposed to do AFTER you hand in your sample. And finally you are supposed to get to watch them pour it into their testing tube . None of this happened. I have her my pee and she said ok thanks, made some comment about my pretty necklace and then told me to go out the door.
So again, I feel like if they didn't follow the steps like they are supposed to, there is a possibility for an error. Especially since there were 2 people who went in ahead of me.
I will be calling that lab tomorrow to see if they have video footage of this as well.
Specializes in Surgical, Home Infusions, HVU, PCU, Neuro.
I HAVE to say this to you TinyRn,I question your integrity and compassion as a nurses. If this is how you talk to people how do you talk to your patients. Get it?
I dont think that TinyRN was trying to be ugly in the statement made about the program and what you have to do. I took it as her saying that in order to be in "compliance" with the program, to advance and make "progress" in their eyes, you must first admit the problem for which you are seeking help for. In this case you have to admit that you have a problem with drugs, you want help and you are willing to commit to the treatment offered to get clean and stay that way. You have clearly stated that you do not have a problem with drugs, you did not do what they are saying you tested positive for. If it is true that you do not do anything illegal are you really ready to openly admit to a problem with drugs? If you accept the treatment program or enroll voluntarily, then by accepting this monitoring you are also accepting you have a problem and need help. Does that make sense? Once you say you have a drug problem (whether it is true or not) you CAN NOT take this back. You CAN NOT fight this test, or clear your name after you have signed papers stating you need treatment and you have a problem. Saying you are needing help can not be taken back. Please do not do this unless it is something that you really need, and if that's the case then do what you need too. Otherwise fight fight fight.
I do believe you. I have been in your shoes. I was terminated for a test coming back positive for benzos and methadone. I was reported to the BON, I fought it with a lawyer and they decided I needed to do 1 year of monitoring, daily check ins ect. My lawyer thought this was the best case scenario. This was also with a negative hair test. I was pissed. It took me 14 months of hell to clear my name. And if I could go back in time to either voluntarily enter the program or fight like I did, I would still fight. I'll be dang if someone is going to tarnish my career for some false accusations and an incompetent lab testing facility. I 2as released from the program approx 6 months in, my case with the BON was closed and hopefully soon I will hear the fate of facility, whose incompetence opened the gate to this hellish nightmare I had to live in.
Dont let them win, dont cower down. You have people in your corner, don't ever forget that.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
Just a questions, but why is the monitoring program so expensive? Were you not able to use insurance at all? Or did you not have insurance because you lost your job? I'm so sorry all of this happened to you. I believe that I found a lab here that will test hair and I plan on getting in there this week and then showing the results to the board whenever they contact me.
I did have health insurance which paid 80% of my outpatient program as well as my appointment with psychologist and psychiatrist. It did not cover the drug testing which back then was $55 dollars each time . Then you have to figure in the cost of lost wages. I was not allowed to work for a year.
WOW. That was a compelling read. I also couldn't help but feel very annoyed at the couple of posters who were saying there was something fishy about your story (and at the 50 people who chimed in that the testing site puts blue dye in the toilet to keep people from diluting their specimen, even after the question had been answered several times, but that's just me getting annoyed when people don't freaking read). I'm glad it worked out for you in the end, but...you don't get that year of your life back.
Did you end up returning to the place that had terminated you?
Specializes in Surgical, Home Infusions, HVU, PCU, Neuro.
WOW. That was a compelling read. I also couldn't help but feel very annoyed at the couple of posters who were saying there was something fishy about your story (and at the 50 people who chimed in that the testing site puts blue dye in the toilet to keep people from diluting their specimen, even after the question had been answered several times, but that's just me getting annoyed when people don't freaking read). I'm glad it worked out for you in the end, but...you don't get that year of your life back.
Did you end up returning to the place that had terminated you?
No I did not, I have yet to receive an apology from the unit director I was working for or the other person who was in on my termination. I feel I am at least owed that (perhaps I am wrong on this account?) I have also had to make alternate arrangements for my daughter who's athletic program uses this lab company for random testing.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
Just a questions, but why is the monitoring program so expensive? Were you not able to use insurance at all? Or did you not have insurance because you lost your job? I'm so sorry all of this happened to you. I believe that I found a lab here that will test hair and I plan on getting in there this week and then showing the results to the board whenever they contact me.
Because the rehab and recovery industry is a huge cash cow!
There goes my Gin + Tonics...
Wiggly Litchi
476 Posts
I don't think so - we actually have a whole forum dedicated to nurses under stress and those seeking help for mental illness.
If you go looking for hostility, you'll find it